14
I turned around to leave, but Tiffany saw me
and started yelling.
“Ashley, are you freaking kidding me? You
dumped Chad, but you can’t leave him alone!
You’re a low–life idiot! You’re not good
enough for Chad!”
“Get over it! You think you can win by
sucking up to Chad’s parents? He’s mine!”
I looked at Chad. He was silent, looking down
while his girlfriend yelled at me.
I thought, even though we broke up, we’ve
known each other for so long, we’re
practically family. He wouldn’t let anyone say
things like that.
But he did.
Trying to be nice was a joke.
Since that’s how it was, I couldn’t just stand
there.
I raised my hand and slapped Tiffany.
Once wasn’t enough, so I slapped her again.
I didn’t stop until her face was swollen.
Chad tried to stop me, but I pushed him
away.
When Chad was learning chess, I was learning
self-defense.
He couldn’t stop me.
I was just a regular person, not as smart as
them. I had to work harder to improve myself.
I pushed Tiffany into Chad.
“Tiffany, I said I didn’t want Chad. He’s yours.
I don’t date trash, and I’m not going back.”
“You call me a low–life, not good enough for
Chad? What about you? Geniuses don’t stay
geniuses forever. What are you going to do
when you’re not special anymore? What else
can you do besides chess?”
“And don’t think I don’t know about you. What
about your background? Your upbringing?
Your values? How long do you think you can
last with Chad? You’re on government
assistance, right?”
I looked up at Chad and laughed.
“Chad, you make me sick. Taking your
girlfriend to the honeymoon spot you planned
with your ex? Are you trying to hurt me, or
“You can’t let go of me, but you love Tiffany.
It’s not fair to anyone.”
